ISO/PAS 21100:2011

Air cargo unit load devices — Performance requirements and test parameters

ISO/PAS 21100:2011 defines the minimum performance requirements and test parameters for air cargo unit load devices requiring approval of airworthiness for installation in an approved aircraft cargo compartment and restraint system that complies with the cargo restraint and occupant protection requirements of EASA CS-25 or of FAR Part 25, except for the 9,0g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561 (b) (3) (ii). ISO/PAS 21100:2011 applies to airworthiness approved air cargo unit load devices intended for carriage on board civil transport category airplanes of the type certificated under EASA CS-25 or FAR Part 25, or equivalent regulations. ISO/PAS 21100:2011 applies exclusively to unit load device airworthiness approval and testing parameters. It does not apply to either aircraft design or aircraft operating requirements, which are provided by the approved Weight and Balance Manual for each aircraft type.

Unités de charge de fret aérien — Exigences de performances et paramètres d'essai

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 05-Oct-2011
• Withdrawal Date: 05-Oct-2011
• ICS: 49.100 - Ground service and maintenance equipment
• ICS: 49.120 - Cargo equipment
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 20/SC 9 - Air cargo and ground equipment
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 20/SC 9 - Air cargo and ground equipment
• Current Stage: 9599 - Withdrawal of International Standard
• Completion Date: 10-Sep-2014

Relations

• Revised: ISO 21100:2014 - Air cargo unit load devices — Performance requirements and test parameters
• Effective Date: 20-Sep-2014

Standards Content (Sample)

PUBLICLY ISO/PAS
AVAILABLE 21100
SPECIFICATION
First edition
2011-10-15

Air cargo unit load devices —
Performance requirements and test
parameters
Unités de charge de fret aérien — Exigences de performances et
paramètres d'essai




Reference number
ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
©
ISO 2011

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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)

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©  ISO 2011
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
Contents Page
Foreword . iv
1  Scope . 1
2  References and definitions . 2
2.1  Government regulations . 2
2.2  Normative references . 2
2.3  Terms and definitions . 3
3  Classification . 3
3.1  Types . 3
3.2  Sizes. 4
3.3  Configurations . 4
3.4  Forms : . 5
3.5  Classification identifier . 5
4  Performance requirements . 5
4.1  Materials . 5
4.2  Fabrication methods and workmanship . 5
4.3  Protection . 5
4.4  Construction . 5
4.5  Marking . 5
4.6  Inspection provisions . 6
4.7  Fire protection . 6
4.8  Rapid decompression . 6
4.9  Dimensions and tolerances . 6
4.10  Strength . 6
4.10.1  Ultimate load criteria . 6
4.10.2  Restraint criteria . 7
4.10.3  Pallets and nets . 7
4.10.4  Base performance . 7
4.11  Environmental degradation . 7
5  Tests . 7
5.1  Test requirements . 7
5.2  Test parameters . 8
5.3  Test methods . 8
5.4  Test results . 8
6  Additional . 8
6.1  Intended use . 8
6.2  Unit load device capacities . 8
6.3  Container contours . 9
6.4  Pallet configurations . 9
7  Unit load device configurations . 9
8  Testing restraint conditions . 26
Bibliography . 36

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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
In other circumstances, particularly when there is an urgent market requirement for such documents, a
technical committee may decide to publish other types of normative document:
— an ISO Publicly Available Specification (ISO/PAS) represents an agreement between technical experts in
an ISO working group and is accepted for publication if it is approved by more than 50 % of the members
of the parent committee casting a vote;
— an ISO Technical Specification (ISO/TS) represents an agreement between the members of a technical
committee and is accepted for publication if it is approved by 2/3 of the members of the committee casting
a vote.
An ISO/PAS or ISO/TS is reviewed after three years in order to decide whether it will be confirmed for a
further three years, revised to become an International Standard, or withdrawn. If the ISO/PAS or ISO/TS is
confirmed, it is reviewed again after a further three years, at which time it must either be transformed into an
International Standard or be withdrawn.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO/PAS 21100 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 20, Aircraft and space vehicles,
Subcommittee SC 9, Air cargo and ground equipment.
ISO/PAS 21100 supersedes, for new unit load device approval applications, ISO 8097:2001, Aircraft —
Minimum airworthiness requirements and test conditions for certified air cargo unit load devices. However,
ISO 8097:2001 will be maintained to support approval of formerly approved unit load devices as well as those
whose type or dimensions are not covered in ISO/PAS 21100.

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PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SPECIFICATION ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)

Air cargo unit load devices — Performance requirements and
test parameters
1 Scope
1.1 The purpose of this Publicly Available Specification is to establish the minimum requirements for
airworthiness approval of air cargo pallets, nets and containers, generally designated as air cargo unit load
devices.
NOTE In all countries, standing government regulations apply to air cargo unit load device airworthiness approval.
This Publicly Available Specification is intended to provide a uniform technical reference for air cargo unit load device
approval, but does not, under any circumstance, supersede the requirements of applicable regulations or the aircraft
manufacturer’s authority approved Weight and Balance Manual.
1.2 This Publicly Available Specification defines the minimum performance requirements and test
parameters for air cargo unit load devices requiring approval of airworthiness for installation in an approved
aircraft cargo compartment and restraint system that complies with the cargo restraint and occupant protection
requirements of EASA CS-25 or of FAR Part 25, except for the 9,0g forward ultimate inertia force of
§ 25.561 (b) (3) (ii).
1.3 This Publicly Available Specification applies to airworthiness approved air cargo unit load devices
intended for carriage on board civil transport category airplanes of the type certificated under EASA CS-25,
Certification specifications for large aeroplanes, or FAR Part 25, Airworthiness standards — Transport
category airplanes, or equivalent regulations.
1.4 This Publicly Available Specification applies exclusively to unit load device airworthiness approval and
testing parameters. It does not apply to either aircraft design or aircraft operating requirements, which are
provided by the approved Weight and Balance Manual for each aircraft type.
1.5 The following aspects do not directly pertain to air cargo unit load device airworthiness approval and
testing, and are defined in other International Standards (see the Normative references and Bibliography):
 ULD design specifications;
 ULD in service damage limits;
 ULD restraint malfunction limitations;
 ULD test methods;
 ULD load distribution models;
 ULD maximum allowable contours;
 ULD C.G. location control means;
 ULD pressure equalization methods;
 ULD utilization guidelines.
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
1.6 Air cargo unit load devices qualified prior to publication of this Publicly Available Specification were TSO
(Technical Standard Order) approved in accordance with the requirements of ISO 8097:2001. This Publicly
Available Specification is intended as a TSO approval reference for all new models of unit load devices in the
sizes or types it covers, in replacement of previously used ISO 8097.
NOTE ISO 8097 is based on USA National Aerospace Standard NAS 3610:1990, Specification for Cargo Unit Load
Devices.
1.7 Air cargo unit load devices whose size or type is not covered in this Publicly Available Specification are
intended to continue being airworthiness approved in accordance with the requirements of ISO 8097:2001, if
their size or type is contained therein, or in accordance with other equivalent criteria if not.
NOTE The requirements for cargo covers are not defined in this Publicly Available Specification, except insofar as
net restraint is incorporated therein.
2 References and definitions
2.1 Government regulations
The following government regulations are applicable to approval of transport aircraft cargo compartments and
therefore to air cargo unit load device approval:
1)
 EU: European Aviation Safety Agency, EASA CS-25, Certification specifications for large aeroplanes
2)
 Japan: Japanese Airworthiness Standard, Part 3 (Civil Aeronautics Law, Article 10, § 4)
 USA: Federal Aviation Regulations, Title 14, CFR Part 25 (FAR Part 25), Airworthiness standards —
3)
Transport category airplanes
2.2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 7166, Aircraft — Rail and stud configuration for passenger equipment and cargo restraint
ISO 8097:2001, Aircraft — Minimum airworthiness requirements and test conditions for certified air cargo unit
load devices
ISO 9788, Air cargo equipment — Cast components of double stud fitting assembly with a load capacity of
22 250 N (5 000 lb), for aircraft cargo restraint
ISO 10046, Aircraft — Methodology of calculating cargo compartment volumes
ISO 11242, Aircraft — Pressure equalization requirements for cargo containers


1) EASA CS-25 constitutes the European Union transport aircraft airworthiness approval regulations. It can be obtained from the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Ottoplatz 1, Postfach 10 12 53, D-50452 Koeln, Germany, or at www.easa.eu.int.
2) The Japanese Airworthiness Standard, Part 3 (ISBN 4-89279-661-1) can be obtained from the Civil Aviation Bureau (CAB) of the
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Tokyo, Japan.
3) FAR Part 25 constitutes the US government transport aircraft airworthiness approval regulations. It can be obtained from the US
Government Printing Office, 732 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401, USA, or at www.gpoaccess.gov/ecfr.
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
2.3 Terms and definitions
2.3.1
container
rigid structure which interfaces directly with the aircraft cargo handling and restraint system and alone
performs all the functions of a unit load device
2.3.2
cover
cover made of flexible material, used to protect cargo on a pallet
NOTE It may or may not incorporate a pallet net or be permanently attached to one. If a net is incorporated or
permanently attached to the cover, the performance and testing requirements applicable to nets in this specification are
applicable to the net / cover assembly.
2.3.3
net
webbing or rope net for restraining load onto an air cargo pallet
2.3.4
numeric simulation
simulation of physical test condition and reaction of unit load device employing numerical analysis,
computational geometry and computer graphics to obtain proof support and design verification, validated by
demonstration that parameters, algorithms and analytical methods used provide results of at least equivalent
reliability to the outcome of a specified actual test
2.3.5
pallet
unit load device consisting of a flat platform with flat undersurface of standard dimensions, on which goods are
assembled and secured by a net before being loaded as a unit onto the aircraft, and which interfaces directly
with the aircraft handling and restraint system
2.3.6
restraint system
equipment for supporting and restraining unit load devices in an aircraft against the ground / flight loads
NOTE It usually consists of such items as rollers, side guides and locks for securing unit load devices to the aircraft
structure. It does not include unit load devices, barrier nets and tie-down straps.
2.3.7
unit load device
ULD
device for grouping, transferring and restraining cargo for transit
NOTE It may consist of a pallet with a net or it may be a container.
3 Classification
3.1 Types
Type 1 (Reference only) : Unit load devices (ULDs) designed for use in an approved aircraft restraint system
that conforms to all flight and ground cargo restraint and occupant protection requirements of EASA CS-25 or
FAR Part 25, including the 9,0g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561 (b)(3)(ii).
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
NOTE Type 1 unit load devices (ULDs) are not shown in this specification. Refer to International Standard ISO
8097:2001 ( NAS 3610 Revision 10 ).
Type 2 : Unit load devices (ULDs) designed for use in an approved aircraft cargo compartment and restraint
system that conforms to the flight and ground cargo restraint and occupant protection requirements of EASA
CS-25 or FAR Part 25, except for the 9,0g forward ultimate inertia force of § 25.561 (b)(3)(ii), which is complied
with either by supplementary installation of a barrier net or bulkhead, or by specifying an approved placement
of the ULD in the aircraft.
3.2 Sizes
This specification provides for the following sizes of unit load devices, expressed as nominal dimensions in the
overall plan form of a pallet or a container base, in mm ( inches ) :
NOTE throughout this specification, dimensions are expressed in SI units, with inch/pound system values additionally
shown between brackets in order to conform to international air cargo industry usage.
Size Nominal dimension
A 2 235 x 3 175 mm ( 88 x 125 in )
B 2 235 x 2 743 mm ( 88 x 108 in )
G 2 438 x 6 058 mm ( 96 x 238,5 in )
K 1 534 x 1 562 mm ( 60,4 x 61,5 in )
L 1 534 x 3 175 mm ( 60,4 x 125 in )
M 2 438 x 3 175 mm ( 96 x 125 in )
N 1 562 x 2 438 mm ( 61,5 x 96 in )
P 1 198 x 1 534 mm ( 47 x 60,4 in )
Q 1 534 x 2 438 mm ( 60,4 x 96 in )
R 2 438 x 4 978 mm ( 96 x 196 in )
S 1 562 x 2 235 mm ( 61,5 x 88 in )
NOTE Size codes C, D, E, F, H, I, J, O have been intentionally omitted in this specification in order to be in
agreement with the industry's ( IATA ULD Technical Manual ) identification coding system.
3.3 Configurations
3.3.1 This specification provides for variations of configuration among pallets, nets and containers of the
same type and size, specified in clause 7 and listed in Table 1 hereafter. Variations in pallet/net attachment
and special interface requirements between components of unit load devices when affecting airworthiness are
specified by the configuration drawings. Configurations are denoted by sequence number and are identified in
accordance with clause 3.5 hereafter.
3.3.2 The applicable restraint conditions to be used for testing each unit load device configuration are
specified in clause 8 and listed in Table 2 hereafter, based on testing of worst case analysis.
3.3.3 The ULD restraint conditions and ultimate loads included herein are intended to represent a worst
case capability for the ULD. They are not intended to represent aircraft cargo handling system restraint
designs. Actual aircraft implementations may vary from the ULD test parameters stated herein in such areas
as number and spacing of restraints, among others, as long as they stay within the worst case ULD
capabilities.
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
3.4 Forms
Form C = Container
Form N = Net
Form P = Pallet
3.5 Classification identifier
The pallets, nets and containers described in this specification shall be identified by the numbers derived as
shown. Types, sizes, configurations and forms shall be limited to those in configuration drawings.
“ISO 21100 - 2A7P” = Type 2, Size A ( 2 235 x 3 175 mm, 88 x 125 in ), Configuration sequence A7, Pallet.

4 Performance requirements
4.1 Materials
The suitability and durability of materials used must be established on the basis of experience or tests.
Materials must conform to approved industry specifications that ensure their having the strength and
other properties specified in the design data.
4.2 Fabrication methods and workmanship
The methods of fabrication used shall produce a consistently sound structure. If the fabrication
processes (such as gluing or heat treatment) require close control to reach their objectives, the
processes must be performed under an approved process specification. Workmanship shall be
consistent with high-grade aircraft manufacturing practices.
4.3 Protection
All components of the unit load devices shall be suitably protected against deterioration or loss of
strength in service due to weathering, corrosion, abrasion or other causes where the type of material
used requires such protection. The unit load device shall have provisions for ventilation or drainage
where necessary for protection.
4.4 Construction
The unit load device shall be constructed to adequately encompass the cargo and shall provide for
proper support and restraint of the cargo. All components shall be designed to withstand rough
handling. The design shall minimize the possibility of improper installation. All pallet / net attachment
devices shall conform with ISO 7166 track and stud configuration, for single stud fittings, or ISO 9788
for double stud fittings.
4.5 Marking
Each pallet, net, and container shall be legibly and permanently marked in an area clearly visible after
the article is loaded with cargo, with the following information :
(1)  Name and address of the manufacturer.
(2)  The weight of the article to the nearest kilogram or pound, with the applicable unit.
(3)  The serial number and date of manufacture.
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
(4)  The part number of the article and its identification in the code system set out in clause 3.5.
(5)  If the article is not omni-directional, the words “FORWARD”, “AFT”, and “SIDE” must be
conspicuously and appropriately placed.
(6)  The burning rate determined for the article under clause 4.7.
(7)  The applicable TSO (Technical Standard Order) approval number.
(8)  Any limitations or restrictions.
4.6 Inspection provisions
There shall be means to allow close examination of each part requiring inspection, adjustment, or
lubrication.
4.7 Fire protection
The materials used in the construction of pallets, nets, and containers shall meet the appropriate
provisions set forth in EASA CS-25 or FAR Part 25 Appendix F.
4.8 Rapid decompression
Unit load devices shall be designed to protect the airplane structure and the occupants as result of a
sudden release of pressure. The suitability of the design shall be established by analysis and / or tests or
numeric simulation. See ISO 11242 for guidance as to possible methods.
4.9 Dimensions and tolerances
Each pallet, net and container of a given configuration shall conform to the requirements specified by
the drawing for that configuration. General tolerances for all configuration drawings, unless otherwise
noted, are ± 0,01 mm for two places decimals, ± 0,1 mm for one place decimals, ± 1 mm without a
decimal ( in inches : ± 0,01 for three place decimals, ± 0,03 for two place decimals, ± 0,1 for one place
decimals ).
4.10 Strength
4.10.1 Ultimate load criteria
4.10.1.1 Ultimate loads for each unit load device configuration are specified in the page defining that
configuration. These loads shall be considered as acting separately, except as noted, and shall be applied in
accordance with the specified center of gravity limits, which shall be taken into account simultaneously.
4.10.1.2 Longitudinal eccentricity is expressed in percentage of the longitudinal dimension of a pallet or
container base, and it is measured from the lateral centerline of the pallet or container base. Longitudinal
dimensions correspond to the forward and aft directions specified by the plan views in applicable figures.
4.10.1.3 Lateral eccentricity is expressed in percentage of the lateral dimension of a pallet or container
base, and it is measured from its longitudinal centerline. Plus and minus signs indicate forward and aft
directions from the lateral centerline, and right and left directions from the longitudinal centerline of the pallet
or container base respectively.
4.10.1.4 Center of gravity height is expressed in mm (inches) above the bottom surface of pallet or
container base.
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ISO/PAS 21100:2011(E)
4.10.2 Restraint criteria
Restraint system details for each restraint condition are specified by the figure referenced in restraint
drawing. Tolerances for the restraint system are the same as those specified in clause 4.9 for
configuration drawings.
4.10.3 Pallets and nets
4.10.3.1 If a pallet (or net) is to be substantiated individually, a qualified net (or pallet) of the same
configuration code may be assumed for analysis or used for test. A qualified and compatible net (or pallet) of
different configuration code may be used provided it equals or exceeds the strength requirements of the pallet
(or net) being substantiated. For substantiating a net, any net tensioning devices shall be engaged : a pallet
needs not be used for testing, provided that all net fittings are at the locations specified in the unit load device
configuration.
4.10.3.2 Pallet edge tracks and net fittings shall conform to the geometric and tolerance requirements of
ISO 7166 or, in the case of double stud fittings, ISO 9788, or equivalent with at least equal ultimate strength.
4.10.3.3 All net fittings incorporating a single tie-down stud for attachment to pallets shall have a minimum
ultimate load capacity of 8 900 N (2 000 pounds) in all directions, horizontal to vertical. Double stud tie-down
fittings shall have a minimum ultimate load capacity of 17 800 N (4 000 pounds) in all directions, horizontal to
vertical. The load application point shall be 21 mm ( 0,83 inch ) or less from the head end of the stud.
4.10.3.4 Except where otherwise stated, all track-type tie down receptacles incorporated in the pallet
construction shall have a minimum ultimate load capacity of 8 900 N (2 000 pounds), or 17 800 N (4000
pounds) for a double stud receptacle, in all directions, horizontal to vertical. The load application point shall be
23 mm ( 0,90 inch ) or more from the bottom of the track groove.
4.10.3.5 Pallet / net tie down fittings, other than stud and track type fittings, shall have a minimum ultimate
load capacity of 8 900 N (2 000 pounds) in all directions, horizontal to vertical.
4.10.4 Base performance
4.10.4.1 Minimum base area loads for each unit load device configuration are specified in the page
defining that configuration. These loads shall be applicable to any area representing at least 10% of the total
base area, while the unit load device is supported by the aircraft system. All unit load devices ( containers or
2
pallets ) bases shall have a minimum area load capacity of 10 kPa ( 209 lb/ft ).
7 2 6 2
4.10.4.2 All ULD base edges shall have a minimum vertical EI value of 5 x 10 N.cm ( 1.75 x 10 lb.in ).
4.10.4.3 The base edge profiles shall be rounded or chamfered in order to ensure a smooth interface with
aircraft unit load device conveyance and restraint systems.
4.11 Environmental degradation
The materials used in the construction of pallets, nets and containers shall take into account the effects of
environment conditions, such as temperature, humidity and U.V. degradation, expected in service.
5 Tests
5.1 Test requirements
Tests and / or analysis or numeric simulation shall be conducted as necessary to show compliance with this
specification.
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